I'm not sure what the problem is with the idea of Artisan Song Makers - the evidence is right there in the songs themselves, which are the products of considerable natural born knack, craft and cunning much of which was done to turn a profit, though one doubts the broadside printers were exactly rolling in it. The popular experience of music is forever bound up in 'commercialism' - that doesn't diminish the power and significance of that experience, be it Broadsides or Led Zeppelin albums or all points in between. Songs are manufactured artefacts that assume popular potency in the hearts and dreams of the people. I'd say that process is as old as music itself.

A L Lloyd had a canny knack too, in helping to shape and craft the revival with his not-inconsiderable efforts as all-round renaissance folk-man par excellence despite some wayward moments which aren't really the point. It all comes down to the passion and vision of such individuals who are able to give it a spark that ignites a fury. Along with Lomax, he's one of the true prophets to whom we owe a goodly deal, including a hefty slice of bafflement but that's to be expected, surely?